Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding calls by representatives and members of the Irish haulage industry for fuel rebates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23781/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing.

I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.